Conformable electrodes for proximity coupled electro-optic devices

Abstract

The electrodes of a proximity coupled, multigate electro-optic light valve are overcoated with a soft, conformable composition which flows in its solid state to conform to the electro-optic element of the light valve when the electrodes are pressed thereagainst. For example, standard semiconductor fabrication techniques may be utilized to fabricate a suitably patterned set of electrically independent, elongated electrical conductors on a silicon integrated circuit, and those conductors are, in turn, overcoated with a high dielectric constant, conformable material, such as indium or aluminum.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a multigate electro-optic light valve having an electro-optic element, and a plurality of individually addressable electrodes engaged with said electro-optic element for proximity coupling electric fields into said electro-optic element; the improvement wherein said electrodes include elongated electrical conductors and a relatively soft overcoating deposited on said conductors, said overcoating being selected so that it flows in its solid state to cause said electrodes to conform to said electro-optic element, thereby providing generally uniform surface contact between said electrodes and said electro-optic element.   
     
     
       2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said overcoating is a relatively poor electrical conductor but has a sufficiently high dielectric constant to avoid substantial attenuation of said fields. 
     
     
       3. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said light valve further includes an integrated circuit for applying data to said electrodes, and   said integrated circuit comprises an electrically conductive layer patterned to define said conductors.